I am not much of a drinker (in part because I overindulge in sweets when a little alcohol gets into my bloodstream and I also wake up really puffy the morning after I drink). But, I certainly can appreciate a tour at a vineyard, every once in a while I do enjoy a great bottle of wine or champagne and as well a good cocktail! Am I nuts for feeling this way. Maybe. But, here's the thing...I work at being healthy and so do you.
Now, it’s time to relax and enjoy summer days and nites! Summertime cocktails and swimsuits are the perfect combination to enjoy. But, you don’t want to blow all your hard work of getting into shape with that sugary fruity drink. If only there was that perfect blend- a healthy “calorie conscious cocktail,” that would allow you to stay in that awesome figure you worked so hard for, while satisfying your craving for a delicious, relaxing pool/beach/lawn-side beverage?
Guess what? You can! Here are a few of my tips and some drinks to enjoy without doing damage to your shape!
1)SAY NO TO SUGAR AND FROZEN DRINKS!
Cut out the juices and syrups in your drinks. Frozen drinks are killer, such as margaritas and daiquiris because of the syrups.Try flavored vodka such as citrus, orange or berry and accent the drink with a lemon or lime.
2)DIY
Just like you can control what you eat by making meals yourself, the same with drinks. Make your own juices to accompany the alcohol with fresh fruit and sweeten your drink with agave or stevia, which are all-natural sweeteners and are better for your glycemic index.
3) MODERATION IS IMPORTANT!
If you work out and want to drink, even a light version that isn’t so calorie heavy, you should know that any alcohol that goes into your liver reduces your body’s fat burning capabilities.
4) HYDRATE WITH WATER AS YOU DRINK YOUR COCKTAIL!
Alcohol is extremely dehydrating to the body, nothing new there. So be sure to drink plenty of water as you start drinking. Don’t wait til you get home in the evening to drink a tall glass, the damage has already been done. And, be sure to drink water the morning after to replenish (a fresh pressed juice that includes, lemon, dandelion and beets can also be very helpful in the morning).
5) DON’T DRINK ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!
Drinking on an empty stomach will irritate the tiny hair like structures in your small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. So when going out, make sure you have either had a solid dinner or you have eaten a snack that contains protein and fat—some nuts and seeds, a high quality protein bar, jerky, avocado, or almond butter. If you are going to dinner it would be best to wait until after you have had an appetizer or a few bites of food before you start drinking.
What do you like to drink during these hot summer months? Is it already healthy or can you make a healthy version of it to enjoy so you don't lose your hard earned shape?
Here are 2 good low calorie cocktails to enjoy:
SOUTHERN PEACH: (peach slices for garnish)
8 cups boiling water
7 peach flavored green tea bags
4 tbsp. Agave
8 oz. peach vodka
MALIBU BANANA BERRY: (to prepare, add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth)
1 cup frozen berries
1/2 banana
2 oz. Malibu rum
1 tsp. agave
2 oz. water